Brighten Up Your Life By Brightening Up Your Interior

Adding a pop of color to any room can drastically improve your mood. If you often find yourself stressed or upset while at home, you may want to consider a few minor retouches to your interior design that will make a huge overall difference in your attitude.

Choosing a color

Depending on how you’re feeling most of the time when you get home should help determine what color choice to go with. Cool colors, such as blues, greens and violets, promote peace which would help you feel better after a stressful day of work. On the other hand, warm colors, such as reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, promote cheerfulness which would be helpful if you find yourself feeling upset after returning home. With the cool colors, try to pick a bright shade as the darker shades could bring your mood down instead of giving you the feeling of tranquility. As for the warm colors, find a shade that isn’t overpowering to you as the warm colors can become an eye sore when you look at them constantly.

Related: Fall Color Trends To Give New Life To Your Room

Implementing your color choice

Look around the rooms you spend the most time in and make note of the spaces that make you feel less at ease or indifferent. If there are windows in the space, try putting up curtains or a valance that match the color you chose to go with. Letting in some sunlight every now and then can also help improve your mood in the space.

Other options include painting a simple pattern in your chosen color on one of the walls in the rooms you frequent, or finding simplistic wall stickers to put up. The latter is a good option if you live in a residence that doesn’t allow painting. You could also add some decorative pillows in the color of your choice to the space to add an additional level of comfort. Lastly, if you have a lamp that uses a standard lamp shade, you could find a lampshade that goes with your color choice to continue to brighten up your room and your mood.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Does Island Life Suit You? Let’s Find Out!

DRAFT

Don’t worry because this isn’t a Tom Hanks on Castaway sort of thing. Island life is cool but it’s not that great. No, this is a vacation dilemma. Usually, a holiday consists of a hotel and a browse around the mainland. There is a lot to do and see and eat and drink, so it has everything you need. Island retreats are pipedreams or they’re not suitable. Does the image of spending every waking second on a beach send shivers down your spine?

There is only one way to find out and that’s to do the research. So, here are four ways to tell whether you’re an island-baby.

Do You Like To Chill?

There’s no doubt that islands are relaxing. In fact, it’s the whole point of going in the first place. You get to go off the grid and split from everyday life. Forget about cell phones and the internet and staying connected; you’re in a dead zone now. What this does is give you a chance to reflect and gain perspective. Sitting on a beach sipping cocktails isn’t all fun and games, you know. Of course, some people find it impossible to sit still for more than five minutes without getting anxious. If you’re one of the latter, this vacation may not be suitable.

Do You Love Wildlife?

The great thing about islands is the abundance of animals. Typically, there are forests which provide lots of shelter and homes for exotic animals. Madagascar, the place, not the film, has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. And, that’s without venturing into the sea. Swimming with dolphins and scuba-diving with turtles are some of the most popular and favorite island activities of all time. Anyone who loves the planet and what it has to offer will feel at home on an island because it’s like being a kid in a candy store.

Are You Active?

Relaxing is fantastic, yet there comes a moment when you need to release energy. Even the biggest beach-bunnies can’t spend two-weeks lazing on a beach. Of course, there are plenty of water activities to keep you active what with the fishing and snorkeling and diving. But, islands tend to have more to offer. Because they are small and less developed, there’s more room to cycle or walk or ride a horse. Motorcycles are also available and a hell of a lot of fun. There’s no need to stay still when there is so much to do.

Are You An Explorer?

Exploring an island is a primitive urge. As soon as you step foot on the sand, you’ll want to go off the beaten track. Or perhaps you won’t, depending on your personality. For the people who do, there is a lot to see and do which hasn’t been seen or done before. Even better, you can hop from island to island via a boat and do it again. All you have to do is pick a group of isles which are close together.

So, are you an islander like Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach?

Have something you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

7 Tips To Take Care Of Your Skin All Summer Long

Now that summer is finally here, it’s time to take walks on the beach, lounge about by the pool, have picnics in the park, and show off all of the summer clothes you’ve been dying to take out of the closet since last year. It’s a time to have fun, but throughout all of this excitement and relaxation, you can afford to neglect your skin. The warm and humid weather means that your skin doesn’t feel itchy or dry like in winter, but that doesn’t mean that you can be lazy about your skin care. In fact, you have to be even more careful. Here are seven tips to help you take care of your skin this summer.

Exfoliate Twice A Week

Your body sheds skin cells every minute of every day, and, if you don’t do something to get rid of them, they’ll simply sit on the surface of your skin, making it appear dry, rough, and dull. Because of this, it’s important that you exfoliate your entire body twice a week. This will remove these dead cells, allowing the healthy skin underneath to shine through. Make sure that you use gentle and natural exfoliators, as harsh acidic ones can cause a lot of irritation.

• Moisturizer Is A Must

  Your skin might not feel so dry throughout the summer, but it’s still important that you moisturize every single day. After all, moisturizers work with constant use, just like exercise and a healthy diet does. If needed, however, you can find yourself one that is more lightweight. Moisturiser is even more important if you happen to get a sunburn. Applying lotion to burned areas will help to keep it hydrated and soothe any discomfort or irritation you may be feeling.

  Wear Sunscreen Every Day

  However hot or sunny it may be, it’s vital that you wear sunscreen every time you leave the house, even on cloudy days. This will protect you from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can cause sunburn and crepey skin. If you’re wondering what is crepey skin, it’s skin with a rough and crepe-like texture, like on your elbow. Ensure you choose a sunscreen with high protection, and make sure you reapply every ninety minutes and always after you have been swimming.

Limit Your Sun Exposure

While sunscreen does offer some protection, it can only do so much. Because of this, you should try to limit your sun exposure, especially between ten in the morning and two in the afternoon, as this is when the sun is at its peak. If and when you do go out, you should wear clothes that cover up your skin, like long skirts, pants, and sleeves. You should also wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and ears.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking water is crucial no matter the time of year, but throughout summer it’s even more important. After all, it keeps your body hydrated and prevents the nasty effects of dehydration. It also helps to keep your skin hydrated and flushes out any toxins that could make you sick or damage your skin. Because of this, you need to make sure that you always have water with you and that you drink it whenever you’re thirsty. You should also avoid any caffeinated drinks.

Don’t Skimp On Sleep

With the warm weather and long days, it’s often difficult to get enough sleep throughout the summer. However, lack of sleep can lead to stress and increased levels of stress hormones, which can slow down the production of collagen in your skin. This means you need to do what you can to ensure you sleep well each night. Of course, heat and light are going to be two of your biggest problems, so consider investing in blackout blinds and a quiet fan for your room.

Opt For Minimal Makeup

With the heat and humidity, it’s usually best to avoid heavy makeup throughout the summer. After all, the combination of sweat, oil, and creamy products is a lot for your skin to handle, and will likely result in clogged pores and breakouts. Instead, you should stick to light creams and powders, as these will feel less smothering. Remember that, if you plan to use foundation, your skin may have tanned, so you might need to grab a different shade or use a color corrector.

The summer months are filled with lazy days, but you can’t afford to be lazy with your skin care. If you want to keep your skin healthy and glowing all summer long, remember the tips above.  

Have something you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Creating a Relaxing Home Space

It might be too late for a spring cleaning, but it’s never too late to change around a cluttered home office or turn that unused guest room into place for guests and family members alike to relax and enjoy themselves in.

Photo via @archdigest

The first thing to consider when making changes to a spare room is what activities you would want to make more space for. Be it a yoga mat in the corner of the room or an inflatable bounce house, make a list of everything you enjoy doing indoors (and outdoors) and don’t take yourself too seriously! Many interior designers say that a spare room is the best place to experiment, and that secondary rooms often work better when they have a separate identity from the rest of the home. So splurge a little on some bold paint colors and patterns from your local Home Depot and make a day of it!

Another great feature of a spare room, whether in a house or an apartment, is the ability to give it multiple functions. Buy some room dividers to section off the area, or just leave it open! If you’re into feng shui, now might be the time to evaluate your options for an optimal energy flow.

Decluttering a space is one of the most obvious home improvements. Storage under the bed and fold-out furniture are only the start; they can save a lot of space, but how do you decorate that space?

Luxury designer Jenni Kayne and Tappan have a recent collection that would be perfect for revamping your personal space. These two limited edition prints are ethereal and peaceful, giving you all the bliss you need this summer. These exclusive limited edition prints are available in three sizes for purchase at JenniKayne.com and TappanCollective.com.

Emma Wood

Marc Gabor’s works for Jenni Kayne x Tappan are a part of a series of emotive photographs taken over the past three years throughout his various trips across America and Mexico. His photographs include images from the national parks of California, to the ancient ruins of Oaxaca. The works in the collection curated by Tappan for Jenni Kayne include a photograph taken in the Hudson Valley, NY and Emma Wood, California.

Whether you decide to redecorate your living room, or convert your shed into an art studio, the Jenni Kayne x Tappan collection will add a remarkable touch of worldliness that is sure to spice up your personal space and garner interest from your guests. You don’t have to be Bobby Berk from the Fab Five to create some captivating room transformations for your friends and family to appreciate.

“When people are happy in their space, it really spills out to the rest of their lives,” Bobby said in an interview about the difference design can make in a person’s day-to-day life. In Netflix’s Queer Eye, Bobby is the brain and muscle power behind every home transformation. In addition to undergoing wardrobe, hair, and diet makeovers, his clients most importantly transform internally into the best versions of themselves. Interior design is a great tool to achieve that peace of mind and sense of fulfillment, according to Bobby.

“One of the things that Bobby Camp [from Episode 5] said was, ‘When I would come home every day, and see that this house is a disaster, it would remind me, every single day, that I was not enough.’ But now, coming home to this space that is livable and organized, he’s like, ‘the stress has been lifted off. And I can move forward now.’”

So if you have the gut instinct that maybe it’s time to do something about the storage room upstairs that everyone knows to avoid, follow it.

Have something you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Travel Essentials to Enhance Your Experience and Boost Your Wanderlust

When you choose to go traveling, you need to understand what it is that makes your trip so exciting and fulfilling. Now, there are so many things you need to take into account when you choose to travel, and the more you can do to enhance the experience the better. There are so many different travel experiences that you have to keep in mind moving forward, and there are a lot of things that can boost your travel experience.

Now, one of the most important things you have to keep in mind is that there are a lot of travel essentials that play a role in your experience. These are things you have to make sure you sort out if you are serious about enhancing your travel plans. These are some of the absolute crucial to keep in mind that are going to combine to make your vacation memorable.

Choose an Awesome Hotel

Never underestimate just how important it is to ensure that you choose the right sort of hotel. There are so many different accommodation options these days, and a lot of people might go for something that isn’t a hotel. However, the right hotel in downtown can be a massively important choice for the trip. A luxury hotel can provide you with so much that other forms of accommodation can’t get close to.

Download Travel Apps

If you want to have a better all-round experience, there are plenty of ace travel apps you can download that are going to help you with this. You have to make sure you are prepared for the trip, and there are travel apps that can help you with different areas of the journey. For instance, you have to make sure you check in for your flight in advance, as well as downloading the public transport app for the city you are visiting.

Get a Guidebook

You also need to make sure you have a guidebook for the city you are going to visit. This is a great way of making the most of your travel experience and making sure you can brush up on what there is to see and do while you are there. There are a lot of things that you might like to do when you visit a new place, and the guidebook is your reference point for knowing and understanding the best things that are available for you on your journey.

Go off the Beaten Track

There are a lot of things that can enhance your journey, but one of the best ways is to go off the beaten track. Try to do what you can to avoid the tourist traps and stop overspending on the things that are aimed at tourists. Instead, you need to make sure you go off the beaten track and rub shoulders with the locals a little more. This will help you get more out of the experience.

These are all things that are perfectly placed to help make your travel experience a better one. There are plenty of things you can do that are going to help you get the most out of the experience. You need to enjoy the culture of a city when you visit, and you have to make sure you spend the vacation relaxing, unwinding, and enjoying yourself.

Have something think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

5 Skincare Rules Everyone Should Know For Smoother Skin

By Peter Minkoff

It’s officially the year of the skin. Yes, makeup is great and playful, but the emphasis on healthy skincare has never been bigger. The number of great skincare product launches could make your head spin, and there are even tons of articles on the types of food that your skin can greatly benefit from. Yes, there are tons of advice for getting that perfect smooth complexion, but we’re going to stick to five simple and effective ones that will get your skin where it needs to go.

Beat the dullness

If due to sun exposure, lack of hydration you’ve ended up with dull and lifeless skin that has even begun to show signs of aging, there are several courses of action to take. First of all, if you’ve been forgetting to include sunscreen into your skincare routine, rectify that mistake as soon as possible. Those UVA and UVB rays are unforgiving, so precautions must be taken if your skin has any chance of recovery. In addition to that, try to stay away from the sun as much as possible – that is a rule Japanese women follow to the letter and they look 20 years younger than all of us, so we might as well follow suit. Finally, do un-dull the skin and begin to restore its smoothness and shine, make it your goal to take vitamin A regularly. You can resort to topical solutions, but they can be quite strong and even counter-effective for certain skin types, so it’s best to find a supplement or load up on vitamin A rich foods instead, at least in the beginning. Let’s move on to rule number two.

Find what works for you

Instead of roaming around drugstore counters picking up products you just assume will give you the result you need, you need to sit down, do your research and find out what exactly your skin type and concerns are. There are numerous skincare brands, one of them being the incredible Rodan and Fields, offer personalized skincare regimen and proper products, and with a simple click of a button here, you can finally get the skinny on what your skin craves and finally provide it for it.

Skincare involves using a series of products or treatments to get glowy and healthy skin. So. besides identifying what products work for you, you should also invest in knowing what treatments are excellent for your skin.

Skin treatment involves getting botox injection, chemical peel, laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, derma fillers, light therapy, and many others! These skin treatments aim at treating specific skin conditions for those people who have used various products with no results. 
 
Finding out what works for you is significant, as some people may choose to get a chemical peel, whereas some prefer a botox injection. Some may consider getting a Botox London Professional Aesthetics procedure for anti-aging purposes and to smooth the appearance of their skin, whereas others may find it beneficial for cosmetic corrections such as lifting the corners of the mouth and tightening this area of the face. Knowing how much and how often to use a treatment or go for a procedure is key when it comes to skincare. 

Finding what works for you in terms of products and skin treatments can help you save money and time in the long run.   

Know your enemies

Alcohol, in all forms, is simply bad for your skin. According to skin expert Michaella Bolder “Alcohol is a toxin (…) impacting the quality, appearance and ageing of your skin. Alcohol is also a diuretic, so you can lose plenty of skin cell-loving water from the body quite rapidly, leaving your skin dehydrated and dull. So, aside from avoiding alcohol as much as you possibly can, you must read the labels on cleansers and toners and even foundations carefully. Many of them contain alcohol, which dries out the skin almost instantly, and the condition worsens the longer you use it. This again brings us to rule number two – leave it to experts to determine and provide the right solutions for you so you don’t ruin your skin with uninformed purchases.

All in moderation

One of the greatest obstacles standing between you and a smooth glowing complexion are clogged pores and flaky skin. This usually comes as a result of either piling too much makeup and not cleansing your face properly at the end of the day or the fact that you’ve let the importance of exfoliation completely slip your mind. Exfoliation is essential to smooth skin as this skincare step removes the dead cells completely and allows your skin to breathe. Aside from that, it fosters faster cellular renewal and production, and preps the skin for the products you apply after you’re done exfoliating. Now, some would say that daily exfoliation is a must, but there is such a thing as too much. You need to give the skin time to actually ‘develop’ dead skins in order to remove them. Overzealous exfoliation can irritate the skin, strip it of its natural oils and actually make matters worse. So, the final verdict on exfoliation – definitely yes, but only three times a week.

The golden rule

You can have the best skincare custom-made for your skin type, but the smoothness and radiance you crave will still be at large if you don’t learn two important lessons. The first one is layering your skincare products in the right order. This is paramount as each product plays a role and it needs to make an appearance at just the right time. The second lesson is diligence. You can’t be responsible when it comes to your routine one day and then skip two or three days – that’s just not how the cookie crumbles. You have to have an established daytime and nighttime routine and never skip it no matter what.

Now that you’re in the know, there is only one thing to do. Remember these rules, follow them to the letter and you’ll see results that have been missing before you know it.

How To Travel The World and Keep Your Job

Working in the city makes it feel like you can never leave. You always have an email to answer and a client hounding your back. For those of you who are able to be more flexible your work, now is the time to leave the country for 3 months, and we promise you won't get fired.  The Remote Life lets you do just that by bringing in professionals, freelancers and entreprenuers to work, live, and travel. In 3 months you wil travel 3 countries with 30 extroadinary people. 

The hardest part of booking any trip is actually planning it. let The Remote life take care of all the hassle of organizing the trip, by booking your flight, stay and where you'll be working. For the low price of $1300 a month you can continue life, but at the same time do the job your working. At such a low price you can sublet your own apartment and it'll pay for itself. 

The perks of traveling are unlimited, as you'll gain new insights to different cultures, finally learn what that mystery meal is, great for next time your in Chinatown. Meet interesting people who could be your next client, and best of all finally be able to take a break without people think you've lost your mind. 

5 Best Summer Vacation Destinations for Newlyweds

By Peter Minkoff

Wedding planning can be quite stressful. Choosing the right venue, menu, and everything else can leave you exhausted. What is not stressful and exhausting is traveling with your beloved and enjoying your time together. Whether you are planning a honeymoon right after the wedding or waiting to have your first vacation as newlyweds, do everything you can to make it the best vacation. Where you go is important, so take a look at these five suggestions that could be your next summer vacation destination.

Vieques, Puerto Rico

Vieques is a charming and romantic island belonging to Puerto Rico. It is an example of pre-industrial life in Puerto Rico. The natives are very caring of the island and its nature, so Vieques remains a well preserved tropical haven perfect for romantic getaways. There are many beautiful sandy beaches here, the water is clear blue and perfect for swimming. You can have long days on the beach sunbathing and swimming when it gets too hot. The unspoiled nature of the island also means there are lush green forests where you can go hiking or riding a horse. The most interesting part of visiting Vieques will definitely be seeing wild horses running around the island freely. This is truly a nature sanctuary and you are bound to have a lovely and relaxing time here.

Santorini, Greece

This little slice of traveler’s haven is located in the middle of the Aegean Sea and it is a well-known travel destination by now. Many travelers have visited this mesmerizing island and you should consider having a romantic getaway there, too. White houses with blue details set on cliff sides of the island rising from the dark blue sea are a well-recognized sight of Santorini and one you must experience for yourself. There are many trails on the island you can walk down to get to know it better. Enjoy the day on the beach and wait to see the sun set on the beautiful horizon. Santorini is also a great place for wine lovers. The island is known for its indigenous white grapes Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani. They are used to produce a variety of white wines and Vinsanto dessert wine. Vinsanto has been produced here since ancient times and it has a great reputation, so don’t miss a chance to try it.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney is unlike the previous suggestions. This is a big city known for its beautiful architecture, great food and nightlife, and friendly people. If you pick Sydney as your destination, make sure to take a walk through different parts of it. The view of the Sydney Harbour, which is considered one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, is a must-see. Here you can also climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the world’s biggest steel arch bridge, and soak in the best view of the city. The best part of visiting Sydney during summer in the northern hemisphere is that in Sydney, it is winter. Winter in Australia is mild, the average temperature is about 15 °C and it almost never snows. You will be able to walk around the city without getting too hot and cool down a bit if you are coming from somewhere warm. While here, you can visit some of the most beautiful beaches and parks, try the local cuisine, and have fun like a native going to their favorite hangouts. Della Hyde is a bar frequently visited by locals and it is a great place to have a few drinks and get to know the real Sydney.

Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

Aman Sveti Stefan is a fortified island village in Montenegro. You should visit this island if you are hoping to have a luxurious and relaxing vacation with the best views around. Even Lord Byron said, “At the birth of our planet, the most beautiful encounter between land and sea must have been on the Montenegrin coast.” The most beautiful encounter between land and sea in Montenegro is definitely Aman Sveti Stefan. Here you will find a beautiful historic fortress, beaches, and mesmerizing views of the Montenegrin Mountains. Get to know the best of Montenegro, relax by the sea, and have a romantic vacation at one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne is the place to visit for music lovers. The Lucerne Festival is a series of classical music festivals taking place in Lucerne every year. The biggest part of it is the Summer Festival featuring over a hundred events. If you and your beloved love classical music, spend your summer vacation in Lucerne listening to the best performances it has to offer. This old town is surrounded by mountains and it is set on the shore of Lake Lucerne. The beauty of its natural surroundings will take your breath away. You can enjoy nature, the historic architecture of the town, and the festivities while here.